In 1960, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a stirring commencement speech at Knoxville College, titled
“A Great Time to Be Alive.”
His words captured the sense that, despite the challenges of the era, the Civil Rights
Movement presented extraordinary opportunities for collective progress.
More than six decades later, that day stands as a pivotal moment in Knoxville’s history, reminding us that the drive for equality and social change resonates across generations and that, even in trying times, we can find hope and possibility in our shared future.
In a recent interview, Reverend Renee Kessler, President of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, shared insights on Dr. King’s impactful visit and the energy it ignited. She noted how her predecessor, Dr. Robert J. Booker (who passed away in 2024), vividly recalled the crowd’s reaction:
“You could almost hear him talk as though you were holding your breath.
His words had the power to captivate you, to hold you almost on the edge of your seat, but they also had this insatiable power to ignite fire in you.”
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That fire was fueled, in large part, by Knoxville’s young people. As Rev. Kessler explained, the Civil Rights Movement was largely a youth-driven effort, and Dr. King’s message at a historically Black institution like Knoxville College spoke directly to the next generation of leaders:
“He came to inspire students to be their very best and to change the world…
Young people have the energy and spark to really ignite us and tell us what we need to be doing to make this world better.”
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Rev. Kessler also pointed out the strong faith connection shared by many Civil Rights leaders, including Dr. King, viewing the struggle for equality as both a social and spiritual battle. This legacy continues at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025 and remains dedicated to encouraging future generations to strive for excellence.
As City employees, reflecting on Dr. King’s 1960 visit and the powerful optimism in his speech’s title, offers a chance to remember how education, youth engagement, and unwavering faith in a better tomorrow can drive progress. Whether through community outreach, mentorship, or ongoing learning, we each have a role to play in carrying forward the vision of Dr. King and countless others who have shaped Knoxville’s story.
If you’d like to dive deeper into Rev. Kessler’s perspective on Dr. King’s visit and its lasting impact, feel free to visit the Beck Cultural Exchange Center located at 1927 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915. We hope this glimpse into our past inspires you to champion positive change in our city today, truly making it
“A Great Time to Be Alive.”